System and method for enabling safe hands-free operation of a wireless telephone in a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system and method for using a wireless telephone in a vehicle in a hands-free mode. The wireless telephone and the vehicle have corresponding mating units. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the mating units are not united, one of the wireless telephone and the vehicle is disabled. The predetermined condition can be one of several situations. For example, one condition may be that an attempt is being made to use the wireless telephone in the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. Another condition may be that an attempt is being made to move the vehicle while the wireless telephone is being used in a wireless communication session within the vehicle. When the mating units are united, the vehicle functions normally and the wireless telephone operates in a hands-free mode.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to wireless telephones, and moreparticularly, to a system and method for enabling safe hands-freeoperation of a wireless telephone in a vehicle.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] It has been reported that using a wireless telephone whiledriving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Drivers who must keeptheir wireless telephones close to their ears are unable to keep bothhands on the steering wheels. Many governments are enacting laws thatregulate the use of wireless telephones in moving vehicles.

[0005] Efforts have been made to enable drivers to use their wirelesstelephones in a “hands-free” mode. One such effort is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,867,794, which was granted to Hayes et al. on Feb. 2, 1999(the “'794 Patent”). The '794 Patent discloses a wireless telephonecommunication device that can be operated in a hands-free mode withreceived audio signals being relayed to the vehicle's radio for outputon the speakers of the vehicle's radio. Basically, the devicere-transmits the received audio using an FM frequency that is receivedand reproduced by the radio of the vehicle. The '794 patent isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] As described below, the present invention relies on pinpointingthe location of the wireless telephone relative to the vehicle. TheFederal Communications Commission (FCC) has promulgated new rulesrelated to emergency call processing. The FCC's wireless Enhanced 911(E911) rules require certain Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS)carriers to begin transmission of enhanced location and identityinformation in two phases. The first phase, which began on Apr. 1, 1998,required wireless service providers to transmit a 911 caller's numberand section of the cell site from which the call is originated to apublic safety answering point (PSAP). The second phase, scheduled tobegin on Oct. 31, 2001, requires all wireless service providers tolocate two-thirds of all 911 callers within 125 meters of their physicallocations. In other words, for all 911 calls received, a PSAP must beable to pinpoint 67% of the callers within 125 meters. It is expectedthat location tracking technologies to be utilized to implement E911 arelikely to have greater accuracy than that required by the FCC.

[0007] Under the FCC rules, wireless communication networks and wirelesstelephones (or any wireless devices that can be used to call 911), mustprovide both the identity and location of the caller to a 911dispatcher. To provide a caller's identity, the wireless device willfurnish a device identification, e.g., a mobile identification number(MIN), indicating in most instances the telephone number of the device.To provide a caller's location, the wireless communication networks andwireless devices will use a network-based location system or a handheldlocation system installed within the wireless devices, or a combinationof the two systems. An example of a handheld location system is a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) receiver. U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,734, which isincorporated herein by reference, discloses a GPS receiver and a methodfor processing GPS signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is a system and method for enabling safehands-free operation of a wireless telephone in a vehicle. Oneembodiment of the invention disables or suspends wireless communicationcapabilities of the wireless telephone until the wireless telephone isdocked in or mated with the vehicle to allow a hands-free operation ofthe wireless telephone. Another embodiment disables or suspendsoperation of the vehicle until mating units of the wireless telephoneand the vehicle are united so that the wireless telephone can beoperated hands-free. Different technologies can be used to determine thepresence of the wireless telephone within the vehicle. A number ofdifferent methods can be used to disable one of the wireless telephoneand the vehicle. Similarly, a variety of ways can be utilized toimplement the hands-free mode of the wireless telephone.

[0009] In one embodiment, location tracking technology is utilized todetermine the presence of the wireless telephone within the vehicle. Inthis embodiment, location information pinpointing the locations of boththe wireless telephone and the vehicle is processed by a microprocessorto determine whether a potentially unsafe condition exists forsimultaneous use of the wireless telephone and the vehicle. If theunsafe condition exists, e.g., if the wireless telephone is locatedwithin a moving vehicle, then the wireless telephone is disabled unlessand until the wireless telephone is switched to a hands-free mode.Preferably, the hands-free mode is enabled only when the wirelesstelephone is docked in or mated with the vehicle.

[0010] In another embodiment, the vehicle is adapted to interfere withwireless communication capabilities of the wireless telephone when thewireless telephone is located within the vehicle. Preferably, when thevehicle is in motion, a device installed in the vehicle creates aninterference that disrupts any wireless communication attempted by thedriver or the passengers. Preferably, the interference is calibrated toaffect a limited space within the vehicle. For example, if the device isinstalled in the steering wheel of the vehicle, no wirelesscommunication session may be established by the wireless telephonewithin a two-foot distance of the steering wheel. When the wirelesstelephone is docked in or mated with the vehicle, the interference isterminated to enable hands-free operation of the wireless telephone. Thedevice may be, for example, a transceiver that can generate appropriateradio signals to interfere with the wireless telephone's operation.

[0011] During the hands-free mode, audio signals received by thewireless telephone are channeled, routed, or otherwise transmitted toone or more speakers that can reproduce or output sound at a decibellevel loud enough for the user/driver to hear without putting thewireless telephone next to his or her ear. In one implementation, thespeaker may be that which is normally used to output sounds from aradio. In another implementation, the speaker may be a dedicated speakerinstalled in the vehicle for the purposes of the invention. In stillanother implementation, the speaker may be a component of the wirelesstelephone itself.

[0012] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the wireless telephoneor the vehicle, or both, are equipped with a sound module. The soundmodule works during the hands-free mode. The sound module enables theuser to perform a number of tasks hands-free, for example, the drivercan dial telephone numbers using his or her voice with the sound module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system architecture of oneembodiment of the invention that utilizes location tracking technology.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing one embodiment of the invention in which the wireless telephone isdisabled unless it is in the hands-free mode.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing another embodiment of the invention in which the vehicle isdisabled unless the wireless telephone is in the hands-free mode.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a system architecture ofanother embodiment of the invention in which the vehicle generates aninterference to prevent use of the wireless telephone unless thewireless telephone is in the hands-free mode.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing an embodiment of the invention in which no wireless communicationsession may be established by any wireless telephone within the vehicleexcept during a hands-free mode.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing an embodiment of the invention in which no wireless communicationsession may be established by a specific wireless telephone within thevehicle except during a hands-free mode.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a system architecture of anembodiment of the invention that incorporates a sound module.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing an embodiment of the invention that incorporates a sound module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system architecture ofan embodiment of the present invention that utilizes location trackingtechnology.

[0022] Wireless telephone 110 comprises a microphone 111, a speaker 112,an RF processor 113, a location system 114, an audio data processor 115,a microprocessor 116, a memory 117, an antenna 118, and a mating unit119. Wireless telephone 110 is a component operating within wirelesscommunication network 100. Wireless communication network 100 includeslocation system 134, microprocessor 136, memory 137, and base station138. Vehicle 120 may be an automobile, a bus, a truck, or other vehiclewithin which wireless telephone 110 is adapted to operate in ahands-free mode. Ignition system 121, speaker 122, audio system 123,location system 124, speedometer 125, microprocessor 126, memory 127,antenna 128, mating unit 129, and RF processor 131 are components ofvehicle 120.

[0023] Mating unit 119 of wireless telephone 110 is adapted to dock inor mate with corresponding mating unit 129 of vehicle 120. Mating units119 and 129 can be one of several docking or cradle systems that enableswireless telephone 110 to rest securely within vehicle 120. Preferably,mating units 119 and 129 have corresponding pins or conductors thatenable signal transmission between wireless telephone 110 and vehicle120. For example, audio signals received by wireless telephone 110 canbe transmitted through mating units 119 and 129 for output by speaker122. Another method for outputting audio signals by speaker 122 isdisclosed in the '794 Patent.

[0024] Preferably, mating unit 119 is adapted to switch wirelesstelephone 110 into the hands-free mode when it is united with matingunit 129. Preferably, mating unit 129 is adapted to control ignitionsystem 121 through microprocessor 126. When wireless telephone 110 isoperated in the hands-free mode, microphone 111 operates normally, butwireless telephone 110 transmits received audio signals for outputthrough the vehicle's speaker 122.

[0025] Speaker 122 is part of audio system 123 of vehicle 120. Audiosystem 123 may be a radio, a compact disc player, a cassette player, ora combination of the above. During a hands-free operation of wirelesstelephone 110, in some embodiments, sound that would otherwise be outputby speaker 112 is channeled via mating units 119 and 129 for output byspeaker 122. Speaker 122 may be that which is typically used to outputsound received via FM or AM broadcast signals. Speaker 122 can also be adedicated speaker installed on vehicle 120 for the purposes ofimplementing this invention. In other embodiments, speaker 112 itselfcan be adapted to output sound at an increased decibel level that ishigh enough for the user of wireless telephone 110 to hear duringhands-free operations.

[0026] Location systems 114 and 124 generate location informationpinpointing the locations of wireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120,respectively. In addition to or in lieu of location systems 114 and 124,which are mobile units incorporated within wireless telephone 110 andvehicle 120, respectively, network-based location system 134 may be usedto generate location information for wireless telephone 110 and vehicle120 may be used.

[0027] For example, location systems 114 and 124 are GPS receivers thatare in wireless communication with a constellation of GPS satellites(not shown). In preferred embodiments, the addition of network-basedlocation system 134 to location systems 114 and 124 provides redundancy,accuracy, and reliability. Location information may be generated bylocation system 134 using known methods. For example, location system134 may use signal strengths received from three or more base stationsthat are in communication with wireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120.

[0028] Location information generated by location systems 114, 124, and134 comprises point coordinates of wireless telephone 110 and vehicle120. The point coordinates comprise an X component and a Y component ofa coordinate system. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the location information comprises a longitude and alatitude. For increased accuracy and granularity, the locationinformation can further comprise an altitude that represents a Zcomponent of the coordinate system. This accounts for the possibilitythat the vehicle may be located in, for example, a parking garage suchthat the user and the vehicle may have the same X, Y coordinates, butstill be far apart.

[0029] The location information can be generated in accordance withcertain predetermined rules or schedules. For example, the locationinformation for wireless telephone 110 is generated continuously whenwireless telephone 110 is in standby or active mode. To conserve batteryon wireless telephone 110, it is preferably that the locationinformation for wireless telephone 110 be generated only when an attemptto establish a communication session is made. Preferably, the locationinformation for vehicle 120 is generated continuously when the engine ofvehicle 120 is running.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, location systems 114 and 124 are GPSreceivers that generate the location information using informationreceived from a constellation of GPS satellites. Network-based locationsystem 134 can generate the location system using triangulation acrosscell sites based on, for example, signals detected from wirelesstelephone 110 and vehicle 120. In other embodiments, the locationinformation may be generated using designation of cell sites.

[0031] In one embodiment in which the intelligence of the invention isnetwork-based, microprocessor 136 receives location information ofwireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120 from one or more of locationsystems 114, 124, and 134. In addition, microprocessor 136 can receiveidentity information of wireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120. Theidentity information may comprise, for example, serial numbers ofwireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120. For wireless telephone 110, theidentity information may be one or more of the electronic serial number(ESN) and the mobile identification number (MIN) of wireless telephone110. For vehicle 120, other identification methods may be used. Forexample, location system 124 may be assigned a unique number, such asvehicle identification number (VIN). The unique number serves as theidentity information of vehicle 120. Microprocessor 136 receives thelocation and identity information using known wireless communicationtechnologies.

[0032] Using the location information and the identity information ofwireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120, microprocessor 136 can beadapted to execute a number of actions according to rules, instructions,or preferences provided by a user of wireless telephone 110. Forexample, microprocessor 136 can use the location information and theidentity information to activate or deactivate one or more servicefeatures subscribed to by the user of wireless telephone 110. Anyservice features available in wireless communications may be activatedor deactivated by the present invention. These service features caninclude, for example, disabling or suspending part or all functions ofwireless telephone 110, forwarding all calls intended for wirelesstelephone 110 to a different telephone, or routing all calls intendedfor wireless telephone 110 to a voice mailbox.

[0033] Although shown as separate components in FIG. 1, memory 117, 127,and 137 can be an integrated component of microprocessors 116, 126, and136, respectively. Each of memories 117, 127, and 137 can store, forexample, the location information, the identity information, and therules, instructions, or preferences supplied by the user.

[0034] In embodiments in which the intelligence of the invention is notnetwork-based, one or both microprocessors 116 and 126 can be used toexecute the rules, instructions, or preferences of the user. Forexample, microprocessor 116 and memory 117 can process locationinformation received from one or more of location systems 114, 124, and134 to suspend or disable wireless telephone 110 if mating units 119 and129 are not united. Similarly, in another example, microprocessor 126and memory 127 can process location information received from one ormore of location systems 114, 124, and 134 to disallow operation ofvehicle 120 until mating units 119 and 129 are united. In one specificimplementation, for example, microprocessor 126 can prevent ignitionsystem 121 from starting the engine of vehicle 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, in lieu of or in addition to location system124, information received from speedometer 125 of vehicle 120 can beused to decide whether wireless telephone 110 should be disabled orsuspended. For example, if vehicle 120 is moving, wireless telephone 110will be inoperable within vehicle 120 until mating units 119 and 129 areunited. Location systems 114, 124 and 134 can also provide informationregarding whether vehicle 120 is moving. For example, microprocessor 126can determine location versus time to calculate a velocity of vehicle120.

[0036] Antenna 118, antenna 128, and base station 138 are used duringwireless communication sessions among wireless telephone 110, vehicle120, and network 100.

[0037]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing exemplary steps involved in usingone embodiment of the present invention. For convenience andillustration purposes, references are made to elements shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] In step 202, an authority defines a set of rules, instructions,or preferences to implement the invention. That authority may be, forexample, the user, a parent of the user, an employer of the user, or agovernment agency. In embodiments in which location tracking technologyis used, for example, the rules can relate or associate locationinformation of wireless telephone 110 and vehicle 120 with the executionof one or more actions. The actions may affect operations of wirelesstelephone 110 or vehicle 120, or both.

[0039] Specific examples of the rules may include:

[0040] Rule No. 1: When wireless telephone 110 is located within apredetermined distance, e.g., ten feet, of vehicle 120, issue a warningto the user that the user should not continue to use wireless telephone110 if the user plans to drive vehicle 120.

[0041] Rule No. 2: If vehicle 120 begins to move while wirelesstelephone 110 is engaged in a wireless communication session, disablewireless telephone 110 immediately unless mating units 119 and 129 areunited for a hands-free operation of wireless telephone 110.

[0042] Rule No. 3: If wireless telephone 110 is powered on while vehicle120 is moving, inform the user that wireless telephone 110 is inoperableuntil mating units 119 and 129 are united.

[0043] In step 204, the rules are stored in memory 117, which isaccessible to microprocessor 116. The rules may be stored in memory 117using any known format. In preferred embodiments, the rules can be inputby the manufacturer of wireless telephone 110, a representative ofnetwork 100, the authority that defined the rules in step 202, the userof wireless telephone 110, or any entity. In an embodiment in which theintelligence is network based, memory 137 is used to store the rules,and microprocessor 136 is used to execute them.

[0044] In step 206, microprocessor 116 receives location informationfrom one or more of location systems 114, 124, and 134. The locationinformation, as described above, can represent the positions of wirelesstelephone 110 and vehicle 120 in a coordinate system. A change ofposition with respect to time can be calculated as speed. In someembodiments, speedometer 125 can be used in lieu of location system 124to provide speed information of vehicle 120.

[0045] In step 208, microprocessor 116 monitors whether the locationinformation received satisfies one or more of the conditions specifiedin the rules.

[0046] In step 210, as long as the information received bymicroprocessor 116 indicates that it is safe to operate wirelesstelephone 110, e.g., none of the conditions specified in step 202 hasbeen satisfied, the process repeats the cycle of steps 212, 208, and210, during which wireless telephone 110 can be used normally, i.e.,without having to unit mating units 119 and 129.

[0047] If instead in step 210 it is determined that a potentially unsafecondition exists, e.g., wireless telephone 110 is located within tenfeet of vehicle 120 (see Rule No. 1), the process goes to step 214. Instep 214, the user is notified that mating units 119 and 129 must beunited to enable proper functioning of wireless telephone 110 in ahands-free mode. The notification may be auditory or visual. Forexample, a prerecorded message may be output by speaker 112 to ask theuser to unite mating units 119 and 129. The prerecorded messages can bestored in memory 127 or an auxiliary memory dedicated to messagestorage. Alternatively, a blinking light might call the user's attentionfor a textual or graphical warning shown on a display device of wirelesstelephone 110. If, however, it is determined that vehicle 120 is movingin step 210 (see Rule Nos. 2 and 3), then the process continues in step222, in which a service feature of wireless telephone 110 is executed.For example, wireless telephone 110's wireless communicationcapabilities are disabled in step 222.

[0048] In step 216, microprocessor 116 determines whether the userfollows the instructions provided in step 214. If so, the process goesto step 218, otherwise, the process go to steps 220 and 222.

[0049] In step 218, after the user followed the instruction in step 214,wireless telephone 110 operates in a hands-free mode. In other words,instead of using speaker 112 for output of sound, speaker 122 of vehicle120 is used. In some embodiments, as suggested above, speaker 112 itselfcan be adapted to output sound at a higher decibel to enable the user ofwireless telephone to hear during the hands-free mode.

[0050] If in step 216 the user ignores the notification, i.e., the userfails to unite mating units 119 and 129 as instructed in step 214, theprocess goes to step 222, in which the voice communication session isterminated by microprocessor 116. Preferably, an optional warning can beissued in step 220 to the user to unite mating units 119 and 129 beforewireless telephone 110 is disabled in step 222.

[0051]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing exemplary steps involved in using adifferent embodiment of the present invention. For convenience andillustration purposes, references are made to elements shown in FIG. 1.Steps 302 through 322 are generally similar to corresponding steps 202through 222. The main difference is that the intelligence is inmicroprocessor 126 instead of microprocessor 116.

[0052] In step 302, the rules for this embodiment may include, forexample:

[0053] Rule No. 4: When wireless telephone 110 is being used by a userwho is approaching within ten feet of vehicle 120, notify the user thatvehicle 120 should not be driven if the user plans to continue usingwireless telephone 110.

[0054] Rule No. 5: When wireless telephone 110 is detected to beengaging in a wireless communication session within vehicle 120, suspendoperation of vehicle 120, e.g., disable ignition system 121, untilmating units 119 and 129 are united.

[0055] In step 304, the rules are stored in memory 127, which isaccessible to microprocessor 126. Memory 127 may be an integratedcomponent of microprocessor 126 or it may be a separate unit. The rulesmay be stored in memory 127 using any known format. For example, therules can be input by the manufacturer of wireless telephone 110,representative of network 100, the user of wireless telephone 110, oranother entity.

[0056] In step 306, microprocessor 126 receives location informationfrom one or more of location systems 114, 124, and 134. The locationinformation, as described above, represents the positions of wirelesstelephone 110 and vehicle 120. In addition, microprocessor 126 canreceive speed information from speedometer 125.

[0057] In step 308, microprocessor 126 monitors whether the informationreceived in step 306 satisfies one or more of the conditions specifiedin the rules.

[0058] In step 310, as long as it is determined that it is safe tooperate vehicle 120, e.g., none of the conditions specified in step 302has been satisfied, the process repeats the cycle of steps 312, 308, and310, in which vehicle 120 can be used. Specifically, in step 312,microprocessor 126 does not interfere with normal operation of anycomponent of vehicle 120.

[0059] However, if in step 310 it is determined that a potentiallyunsafe condition exists to operate vehicle 120, e.g., wireless telephone110 is approaching within ten feet of vehicle 120 (see Rule No. 4), theprocess goes to step 314. If it is determined the wireless telephone 110is within vehicle 120 (see Rule No. 5), the process goes directly tostep 322.

[0060] In step 314, the user is notified that mating units 119 and 129must be united to enable proper functioning of vehicle 120. Thenotification may be auditory or visual. For example, a prerecorded soundmay be output by speaker 122 to inform the user to unite mating units119 and 129. Alternatively, a blinking light on the dash board ofvehicle 120 may be used to call the user's attention.

[0061] If the user follows the instructions in step 316, i.e., the userunites mating units 119 and 129, the process goes to step 318.

[0062] In step 318, wireless telephone 110 operates in a hands-freemode. In other words, speaker 122 of vehicle 120 is used to output soundsignal received by wireless telephone 110. Alternatively, speaker 112may be adapted to operate in the hands-free mode.

[0063] However, if in step 316 the user ignores the notification, i.e.,the user fails to unite mating units 119 and 129 as instructed in step314, the process goes to step 322, in which vehicle 120 is disabled bymicroprocessor 126. Disabling can be done, for example, bymicroprocessor 126 that suspends operation of ignition system 121 ofvehicle 120. An optional warning may be issued in step 320 to the userto unite mating units 119 and 129.

[0064]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a system architecture of adifferent embodiment of the invention in which the vehicle generatesinterference to prevent use of the wireless telephone unless thewireless telephone is in the hands-free mode.

[0065] Wireless telephone comprises microphone 411, speaker 412, RFprocessor 413, audio data processor 415, microprocessor 416, memory 417,antenna 418, and mating unit 419. Wireless telephone 410 operates withinwireless communication network 400, which includes home locationregister (HLR) 402, visitor location register (VLR) 404, and basestation 438. Vehicle 420 may be an automobile, a bus, a truck, or othervehicle within which wireless telephone 410 may be adapted to operate ina hands-free mode.

[0066] Switch 421, speaker 422, transmitter/receiver (transceiver) 424,speedometer 425, microprocessor 426, antenna 428, and mating unit 429are components of vehicle 420.

[0067] Mating unit 419 of wireless telephone 410 is adapted to mate withcorresponding mating unit 429 of vehicle 420. Mating units 419 and 429enable wireless telephone 410 to rest securely within vehicle 420.Preferably, mating units 419 and 429 have conductors that enabletransmission of signals from wireless telephone 410 to vehicle 420. Forexample, audio signals received or generated by wireless telephone 410can be channeled through mating units 419 and 429 for output by speaker422. Like mating units 119 and 129 described above, mating units 419 and429 can be adapted to transmit audio signals wirelessly using an FMchannel using, for example, the technology disclosed in the '794 Patent.

[0068] HLR 402, VLR 404, and base station 438 are components of network400. When wireless telephone 410 is powered on, it “listens” on acontrol channel for a system identification code (SID) associated withnetwork 400 during a communication session. Also during thecommunication session, one or more of wireless telephone 410's ESN andMIN are provided to wireless communication network 400. This allowsnetwork 400, through a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO)associated with base station 438, to assign a voice channel (a duplexchannel with a frequency pair) for wireless telephone 410 to communicatewith another telephone using antenna 418.

[0069] During a voice communication session between wireless telephone410 and another telephone via network 400, wireless telephone 410transmits a radio signal that is associated with a signal strength. Thesignal strength is at its peak level near wireless telephone 410. Thesignal strength is increasingly weaker away from wireless telephone 410.As it is well known to those skilled in the art, the signal strengthvaries inversely proportionately to the distance squared 1/r².Transceiver 424 can be tuned to detect the signal transmitted bywireless telephone 410. Therefore, as it is known to those skilled inthe art, as wireless telephone 410 approaches vehicle 420, the signalstrength, as detected by transceiver 424, increases. When transceiver424 detects a signal strength that exceeds a certain threshold,transceiver 424 creates an interference to jam the signal used bywireless telephone 410. Preferably, the interference is calibrated toaffect only a small space surrounding transceiver 424. For example, theinterference only has an effect within the driver seat area of vehicle420 (e.g., within a predetermined distance, such as about two feet ofthe steering wheel of vehicle 420). This enables someone other than thedriver to use wireless telephone 410. The interference can be createdusing any known methods. For example, a radio signal that is strongerthan that of wireless telephone 410 can be used as the interference.

[0070] In one embodiment, transceiver 424 is preferably not activateduntil vehicle 420 is moving. In other words, transceiver 424 can bepowered on or otherwise activated when vehicle 420 is in motion. Forexample, transceiver 424 is powered on when speedometer 425 registers amotion of vehicle 420. In another embodiment, transceiver 424 can beactivated when the engine of vehicle 420 is running. Here,microprocessor 426 can be adapted to power on transceiver 424 when anignition system of vehicle 420 is used to start the engine.

[0071] Mating unit 429 preferably has switch 421 incorporated within.Switch 421 controls transceiver 424. When mating units 419 and 429 areunited, e.g., mating unit 419 is inserted into mating unit 429, switch421 deactivates transceiver 424, resulting in termination of theinterference and enablement of wireless telephone 410 to operate in thehands-free mode.

[0072] In lieu of switch 421, mating unit 429 may be equipped with asensing device (not shown) that communicates with microprocessor 426.When the sensing device detects that mating units 419 and 429 have beenunited, microprocessor deactivates transceiver 424.

[0073] When mating units 419 and 429 are separated while vehicle 420 isin motion, transceiver 424 is re-activated, the interference is resumed,and wireless telephone 410 is once again incapable of establishing ormaintaining a wireless communication session.

[0074]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing an embodiment of the invention in which no wireless communicationsession may be established by any wireless telephone within vehicle 420when vehicle 420 is in motion, unless mating units 419 and 429 areunited to enable a hands-free mode.

[0075] In step 502, when vehicle is operating, transceiver 424 ispowered on or activated. In one embodiment of the present invention,transceiver 424 is powered on when the engine of vehicle 420 is runningwhether or not vehicle 420 is moving. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, transceiver 424 is activated only when vehicle 420 isin motion. Activation of transceiver 424 can be controlled throughswitch 421, which is in communication with one or both of speedometer425 and microprocessor 426.

[0076] In step 504, transceiver 424 scans for signals transmitted bywireless telephone 420. As discussed above, the signal strength detectedby transceiver 424 can be used to determined the proximity of wirelesstelephone 420 from transceiver 424.

[0077] In step 506, as long as the signal strength detected bytransceiver 424 does not exceed a certain threshold, the process repeatssteps 504 and 506. The threshold may be, for example, a signal strengththat indicates that wireless telephone 410 is located within vehicle420. For example, the threshold may correspond to a distance of two feetfrom transceiver 424. In this example, if wireless telephone 410 is morethan two feet away from transceiver 424, wireless telephone 410 is notinterfered with. Transceiver 424 is preferably installed within thesteering wheel of vehicle 420.

[0078] If in step 506 the detected signal strength exceeds thethreshold, then the process goes to step 508.

[0079] In step 508, transceiver 424 creates an interference to preventcommunication using wireless telephone 410. The interference preferablycorresponds with the frequency or frequencies used by wireless telephone410. Preferably, the interference is calibrated so that it only affectsuse of wireless telephone 410 within a predetermined distance oftransceiver 424. For example, the interference can be calibrated to onlyaffect an area within two feet of transceiver 424. This calibrationprevents only the driver of vehicle 424 from using wireless telephone410. In other words, the calibration allows other passengers to usewireless telephone 410 while vehicle 420 is in motion. Moreover,calibration limiting the effective range of the interference may berequired to comply with FCC regulations.

[0080] In step 510, wireless telephone 410 is disabled if it is locatedwithin the space affected by the interference that is created in step508. Wireless telephone 410 remains disabled as long as mating units 419and 429 are not united.

[0081] In step 512, if mating units 419 and 429 are united by, forexample, inserting wireless telephone 410 into a cradle system withinvehicle 420, i.e., mating units 419 and 429 are united, the interferenceis terminated in step 514. In one embodiment of the present invention,switch 421 interrupts power supplied to transceiver 424 when matingunits 419 and 429 are united. Alternatively, microprocessor 426 may beadapted to deactivate transceiver 424 when mating units 419 and 429 areunited.

[0082] In step 516, as a result of noninterference from transceiver 424,wireless telephone 410 is enabled to operate in a hands-free mode. Thehands-free mode may involve, for example, outputting audio signalsreceived by wireless telephone 410 using speaker 422.

[0083]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involved inusing an embodiment of the invention in which no wireless communicationsession may be established by a specific wireless telephone within thevehicle except during a hands-free mode. In this embodiment, onlywireless telephones whose identity information is recognized bymicroprocessor 426 will be interfered with.

[0084] Steps 602 through 616 are generally similar to correspondingsteps 502 through 516. In this embodiment, identity information ofwireless telephone 410 is preloaded in a memory accessible bymicroprocessor 426.

[0085] In steps 602 and 604, transceiver 424 detects signals transmittedby all wireless telephones in the vicinity of vehicle 420. In thisembodiment, transceiver 424 is preferably adapted to tune in to thecontrol channels used by wireless telephones that operate within network400.

[0086] In step 606, transceiver 424, in cooperation with microprocessor426, processes the signals received to determine whether the identityinformation incorporated within the signals is one that which has beenpreloaded in the memory. In other words, microprocessor 426 andtransceiver 424 determine specifically whether wireless telephone 410 isoperating with the vicinity of transceiver 424.

[0087] If wireless telephone 410 is in the vicinity, then the identityinformation received by microprocessor 426 would match that which ispreloaded in the memory. As a result, an interference is created todisrupt communication of wireless telephone 410 in steps 608 and 610,unless mating units 419 and 429 are united in step 612.

[0088] Steps 608 through 616 are generally similar to correspondingsteps 508 through 516. This embodiment allows wireless telephones notrecognized by microprocessor 426 to operate freely within vehicle 420.

[0089]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture of anotherembodiment of the invention in which voice module 711 is a component ofwireless telephone 710. It is understood that wireless telephone 710 canbe one of wireless telephones 110 and 410, or a variation thereof. Inother words, one of wireless telephone 110 and 410 described above canbe adapted to include voice module 711 to implement this invention. Asan alternative to voice module 711, voice module 721 associated withvehicle 720 may be used. One or both voice modules 711 and 721 are usedto enable the user of wireless telephone 710 to dial telephone numbersor otherwise operate wireless telephone 710 using his or her voiceduring the hands-free mode.

[0090] Voice modules 711 and 721 can use one of several known voicerecognition technologies. For example, the technologies disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,042,063, 5,165,095, 5,452,340, 5,499,288, 5,826,199,5,991,364, 6,009,383, and 6,018,568, each of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety, may be adapted to implementthe present invention.

[0091]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps involving inusing wireless telephone 710 in a hands-free mode using voice module711. In step 802 (which may be an equivalent step to one of steps 218,318, 516, and 616 described above), wireless telephone 710 is operatingin the hands-free mode.

[0092] In step 804, voice module 711 monitors the sound received by amicrophone (not shown) associated with wireless telephone 710.

[0093] In step 806, microprocessor 716 determines whether the soundreceived is a recognized command. If the sound is not a command, forexample, a normal conversation is detected in step 804, the processrepeats steps 804 and 806. If the sound received in step 804 isrecognized as a command in step 806, however, the process continues instep 808. For example, the user may say “call home” in step 804 and thephrase “call home” is understood by microprocessor 716 to dial aspecific number stored in memory 717, which is accessible tomicroprocessor 716.

[0094] In step 808, the command associated with the sound is executed.For example, the telephone number of the user's home is dialed.

[0095] In describing representative embodiments of the invention, thespecification may have presented the method and/or process of theinvention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent thatthe method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps setforth herein, the method or process should not be limited to theparticular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in theart would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible.Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in thespecification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. Inaddition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of theinvention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in theorder written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate thatthe sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

[0096] The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodimentsdescribed herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to bedefined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

What we claim is:
 1. A wireless telephone system comprising: means fordetermining a positional relationship between a wireless telephone and avehicle; means for defining a condition; means for disabling one of thewireless telephone and the vehicle when the relationship satisfies thecondition; means for enabling the wireless telephone in a hands-freemode and the vehicle when a first mating unit associated with thewireless telephone and a second mating unit associated with the vehicleare united; and means for operating the wireless telephone in thehands-free mode.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the determining meanscomprises one or more location systems.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein one of the location systems is a GPS receiver.
 4. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the location systems generate location information thatpinpoints a first location of the wireless telephone and a secondlocation of the vehicle.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thedetermining means comprises a speedometer adapted to detect a movementof the vehicle.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the conditionindicates that the wireless telephone is located within the vehicle. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein the condition further indicates that thevehicle is moving.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the determiningmeans comprises a transceiver adapted to detect a signal transmitted bythe wireless telephone.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the conditionindicates that the wireless telephone is within a predetermined distanceof the transceiver.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the disablingmeans comprises a transceiver generating an interference disruptingwireless communication of the wireless telephone.
 11. A wirelesstelephone system comprising: a location system adapted to generate afirst location information pinpointing a first location of a wirelesstelephone and a second location information pinpointing a secondlocation of a vehicle; a microprocessor adapted to determine arelationship between the first location and the second location, whereinif the relationship satisfies a predetermined condition, themicroprocessor disables one of the wireless telephone and the vehicle;and a first mating unit associated with the wireless telephone and asecond mating unit associated with the vehicle, wherein when the firstmating unit and the second mating unit are united, the microprocessorenables normal operation of the vehicle, and wherein the wirelesstelephone is enabled to operate in a hands-free mode.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the location system and the microprocessor arenetwork-based components.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein thelocation system comprises two units, and wherein the first unit isassociated with the wireless telephone and the second unit is associatedwith the vehicle.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein one or both of thefirst unit and the second unit are GPS receivers.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the microprocessor is associated with the wirelesstelephone, and wherein the predetermined condition is stored in a memoryaccessible by the microprocessor.
 16. The system of claim 11, whereinthe microprocessor is associated with the vehicle, and wherein thepredetermined condition is stored in a memory accessible by themicroprocessor.
 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising anignition system associated with the vehicle, wherein the microprocessordisables the ignition system when the predetermined condition issatisfied.
 18. The system of claim 11, further comprising a speakerassociated with the vehicle, wherein the hands-free mode involvesoutputting audio signals received by the wireless telephone on thespeaker.
 19. The system of claim 11, further comprising a speakerassociated with the wireless telephone, wherein the hands-free modeinvolves outputting audio signals received by the wireless telephone onthe speaker at an increased decibel level.
 20. The system of claim 11,further comprising a voice module, wherein the voice module is adaptedto receive voice commands for operation of the wireless telephone in thehands-free mode.
 21. A wireless telephone system comprising: a firstmating unit associated with a wireless telephone; a second mating unitassociated with a vehicle, wherein the second mating unit is adapted tounite with the first mating unit; a transceiver associated with thevehicle, wherein the transceiver creates an interference disabling thewireless telephone when a predetermined condition is satisfied and whenthe first mating unit and the second mating unit are not united; and aspeaker associated with one of the wireless telephone and the vehicle,wherein the speaker is adapted to output sound signals received by thewireless telephone during a hands-free mode when the first mating unitand the second mating unit are united.
 22. The system of claim 21,wherein the condition indicates that the wireless telephone is locatedwithin the vehicle.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the conditionindicated that the wireless telephone is located within about two feetof the transceiver.
 24. The system of claim 21, further comprising aswitch in communication with the second mating unit, wherein the switchpowers off the transceiver when the first mating unit and the secondmating unit are united.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein theinterference is calibrated to affect a space surrounding a driver seatof the vehicle.
 26. A method for using a wireless telephone in a vehiclecomprising the steps of: monitoring a relationship between the wirelesstelephone and the vehicle; determining whether the relationshipconstitutes an unsafe condition for simultaneous operation of thewireless telephone and the vehicle; disabling one of the wirelesstelephone and the vehicle if the unsafe condition exists and a firstmating unit associated with the wireless telephone is not united with asecond mating unit associated with the vehicle; and enabling normaloperation of the vehicle and limiting operation of the wirelesstelephone to a hands-free mode when the first mating unit and the secondmating unit are united.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein therelationship indicates that the wireless telephone is located within thevehicle.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprises the step ofevaluating location information generated by a location system todetermine the relationship.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein thelocation information comprises a first location of the wirelesstelephone and a second location of the vehicle.
 30. The method of claim26, further comprises the step of measuring a signal strengthtransmitted by the wireless telephone by a transceiver associated withthe vehicle.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step ofcreating an interference to disrupt wireless communication of thewireless telephone when the signal strength indicates that the wirelesstelephone is located within the vehicle.
 32. The method of claim 31,wherein interference is calibrated to affect a space surrounding adriver seat of the vehicle.
 33. A method for using a wireless telephonein a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting signals transmitted bythe wireless telephone by a transceiver associated with the vehicle;using the signals detected to determine whether the wireless telephoneis located within the vehicle; creating an interference to disruptwireless communication of the wireless telephone if the wirelesstelephone is located with the vehicle; and limiting operation of thewireless telephone to a hands-free mode when the first mating unit ofthe wireless telephone and a second mating unit of the vehicle areunited.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprises the step of usinga voice module to operate the wireless telephone during the hands-freemode.
 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the interference affects aspace within two feet of the transceiver.
 36. A method for using awireless telephone in a vehicle comprising the steps of: determining thepresence of the wireless telephone within the vehicle; preventing thevehicle from moving if the wireless telephone is engaged in a wirelesscommunication session; disabling the wireless telephone if the vehicleis moving; and enabling normal operation of the vehicle and allowingoperation of the wireless telephone if a first mating unit of thewireless telephone and a second mating unit of the vehicle are united.37. The method of claim 36, wherein the determining step is performed bya location system.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the determiningstep is performed by a transceiver.
 39. The method of claim 36, whereinthe preventing step is performed by a microprocessor that controls anignition system of the vehicle.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein thedisabling step is performed by a microprocessor that controls thewireless telephone.
 41. The method of claim 36, wherein the disablingstep is performed by a transceiver associated with the vehicle thatcreates an interference.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the secondmating unit is in communication with a switch that controls thetransceiver.
 43. A method for preventing unsafe operation of a vehiclecomprising the steps of: establishing a set of rules; and disabling oneof a vehicle and a wireless telephone if the set of rules is notfollowed.